Dietitian Vocational Day
Las Vegas,
Nevada,
United States
Monday, March 31, 2008
What an awesome day......long yes but great fun. I yet again got in the wrong side of the car to begin the day (I'll catch on eventually!)
Desert Springs Hospital Diabetes Group Program (Joyce, Chris and Margaret - RD) contacts were very helpful, lots of interesting ideas reciprocated. Really great use of IT to involve patients in educational programs. They also gave me a flashing lights Vegas sign for my desk at home (who said the locals aren't proud of the strip???!!)
On to Sunrise Hospital Paediatrics Department Dietitian Holly who showed me some very interesting Type 1 Diabetes cases. Clinical management can be very different to that in Aus which promopted lots of conversation. Holly full of beans (should have worn runners). Lots of chat re funding for dietetics services and public/private system differences in the US. Lobster for lunch (yes LOBSTER team + steak + prawns....need I go on?).
Sheree (RN) showcased their Type 1 Diabetes Camp which seems a heap of fun then the Cardiac risk factor reduction program was discussed at the Children's Heart Centre with Anissa (RD). Lots of challenges with preventative medicine discussed - similar challenges, lots of innovative problem solving (and laughs)
Off to Nellis Airforce Base with Pat (thanks for the car trip and the chat Pat!) to gain some top secret information (regarding Conversation Mapping Program with Diabetes of course) with RD Gretchen.....lots of stimulating chat about Dietetics in the Airforce and the defense forces in general)
Returned to Wenlee and Peter's house for some delicious turkey and chilli stew and corn bread and salad (this family can really cook) + a Heineken before heading of to Peter's Scouts group to chat to some of the little fellas gaining a badge. Heaps of questions about politics, laws, vegemite, milo, cricket, aussie rules football, perceptions of Americans in Australia (quite a curly one! If the first 2 days are any indication I think the Americans are some of the lovliest people you could hope to meet). Got a good laugh when said "G'day mate" to the Scouts.
Back to Wenlees for a beer and a chat and a blog entry....photos to come
